Trail Running Calendar East of England 2025-2026

Take part in the Essex Vets XC Championships on 13 December 2025 in Epping Forest for a tough and scenic 8k on forest trails. Veteran races and team prizes across age groups; entries online only until 7 December.

Join Twas The Run Before Christmas at Brandon Country Park on 14 Dec 2025, a festive timed trail in Thetford Forest with 5k to ultra options and 4 or 6 hour formats. Multi terrain laps, aid stations, bespoke medals and virtual places make i..

Let it Stow is a festive half trail marathon in Stowmarket, featuring 13.1 miles of footpaths, woodland and country lanes for a scenic run. Finishers earn an eco friendly medal, top runners get trophies and photos capture the day.

Join a guided 16k trail run at High Lodge in Thetford Forest, led at a conversational pace and grouped by ability for an enjoyable outing. Explore varied woodland trails, spot wildlife and pick up friendly tips on trail running.

Night street orienteering in Colchester on 17 December from the Berechurch Arms. Choose a 3.4 km short or 5.4 km long course, use MapRun or printed maps and hunt controls by torchlight for a fun, technical evening.

Take on a 6 mile self navigation night trail where a written route leads to a secret stop with a cryptic clue for time bonuses. Spot Santas and chocolate, enjoy a refreshment, and bring a head torch, hi viz and phone.

Christmas Canter on 20 December 2025 at Suffolk Running Centre offers distances from 5k to ultra on scenic rolling roads near Bury St Edmunds with a festive vibe. Expect challenging hills, aid stations and included parking; bring your own b..

A seasonal 12 km trail run from the Voodoo Keller Bar in Chelmsford that stops at the Chelmsford Brew Co tap room for a brewery drink and a breather. Enjoy a Santa hat, drinks, crisps and a Christmas medal on this social non competitive fes..

Experience the Elves 11ish Trail, a narrative 11 Elvish mile loop between Maldon and Mundon that is mostly off road with varied terrain. Navigate by written instructions, enjoy a checkpoint and finishers get a medal, snacks and hot drink.

Runners v Riders is back on 26 December 2025 at Friday Woods, Colchester, where runners and cyclists go head to head for the historic Markham Cup. Expect a festive, muddy off road battle of about 3.5 miles with limited entry and on the day..

Finish the Crown to Crown series with a festive off road 5 km through bridleways and Willow Park on Boxing Day 2025. Scenic trail loop finishes by the Miller & Carter Crown pub with marshals and on course first aid.

Join the Layer Twixmas Trail on 28 December in Layer de la Haye for a self navigated 5 to 6 mile festive run with written route notes on the day. Entry includes a Twix, hot drink and cake, there is a prize for best festive outfit and dogs a..

Join a scenic 10 mile cross country in Hainault Forest on 28 December 2025, three undulating laps from Chigwell Row. Run in tribute to charity and enjoy a festive post Christmas challenge with entries open.

Join ESCAPE trails for a guided 10k through the scenic Thetford Forest at High Lodge on 28 December, ideal for runners stepping into trail running. Enjoy conversational pace groups, gentle terrain and friendly company.

Celebrate the year with Five Gold Rings, a cosy trail run from The Chequers in Felsted offering half marathon, 7 mile and 5 km self navigated routes. No course markings or mass start and each entry includes a pub voucher.

Essex XC Championships at Gloucester Park Basildon on 3 Jan 2026 features challenging multi lap cross country races from U11s to a 12 km senior men race. Entries close 21 Dec and entry is open to England Athletics members eligible for Essex..

Experience the Chilterns Winter 10 km, a guided trail run through woodlands, hills and scenic viewpoints with run leaders for every ability group. Finish at Church Farm Cafe with parking, bag drop and canicross friendly routes near train li..

Join the East Hanningfield Trail Marathon on 4 January 2026 for a scenic circular 95% off road route around Danbury, starting and finishing at the village hall. Expect varied terrain, friendly support and three well stocked checkpoints.

Join the Norfolk Cross Country Championships at Earlham Park on 4 Jan 2026 on a slightly revised spectator friendly course with varied ups and downs. Races for all ages offer fun and chances to qualify for British Inter Counties.

WTF Where's The Finish? is a timed challenge in Thetford Forest where you choose a 4 hour or 6 hour slot and run as many 5.3k laps as you like. Enjoy multi terrain trails, aid each lap and a bespoke finisher medal, or take a virtual place.